August 7, 2010 | In: Garden Design

Protecting Healthy Skin With Exterior Shading

Rates of skin cancers have been steadily increasing in the last twenty years. The exact causes are unknown, but part of it may be due simply to a population with increasing proportion of older people. What is clear is that many cancers are driven by external events, one of which is excess exposure to UV-intense sun light. UV wavelength light is absorbed easily by the skin and causes damage to DNA. The damaged DNA overwhelms innate repair processes.

The chemical way of blocking cancer is to slather the surface of the skin with a sunblock agent that absorbs or reflects UV radiation. Ironically, application of these products may cause other kinds of skin-related problems especially in people with heightened sensitivity. A popular alternative is to ensure good shading either through clothing or through outdoor shading.

Installation of exterior and outdoor shading provides three benefits. One, outdoor shades add resale value to a house by increasing the effective usable area. Two, outdoor shades increase living space for household members to enjoy. Three, outdoor shades provide a health benefit by shielding against UV radiation.

There are quite a few kinds of products to consider, some being very easy to install and others requiring hours or several people. The cost will vary in proportion to the complexity. The simplest kinds of exterior shades are the lightweight temporary shades. They can be set up or put away quickly. The most complicated kinds require an army of craftsman to put up, involving usually some major structural work on the house.

Lightweight temporary shades come in various types, one of them being the freestanding awning. Unlike regular awnings which are affixed over a window or door, freestanding awnings sit on a base with wheels so they can be pushed around to where they are needed most. They are useful for protecting the skin of children who might play in different areas around the house on any given day.

Heavy duty fixed outdoor shades come in many varieties also. The most widely known ones are side-post umbrellas that can be put anywhere around the house. Outdoor umbrella accessories increase the functionality. Lesser known shades are pergolas that partially shade gardens or yards. Pergolas are made of beams or lattices but usually don’t have any fabric, thus allowing some passage of light and wind as befits a garden. Arbors are similar to pergolas but on a much smaller scale.

The lower bound on prices for outdoor shades is less than a hundred dollars, but the upper bound is really sky high. For example a gazebo system or even a motorized retractable awning with weather sensors can cost thousands or tens of thousands. In spite of the high prices, many would concur with the assessment that protecting loved ones from cancer-causing solar radiation is invaluable and can’t be priced.

Some of these ideas were graciously granted by a site on types of outdoor shade. Still have inquiries ? Maybe you can check out our resources about the outdoor umbrella accessories market.

Related posts:

  1. Adding Value To Your Home With Outdoor Shading
  2. Patio Shades And Swimming Pool Shades
  3. An Exterior Misting Fan Keeps Cool Garden And Patio Gatherings
  4. Using Outdoor Shading With Mist Systems To Cool Your Garden And Backyard
  5. Categories Of Patio Shades And Home Cooling Methods
  6. More Useable Space With Exterior Shades
  7. The Side-post Umbrella For Your Porch And Garden
  8. Ensure Garden Events Go Well With Canopies
  9. Energy Efficient Strategies Of Regulating Home Temperature
  10. Selecting The Best Gazebos For Residential Purposes

Comment Form